Benedict Cumberbatch's wife is expecting their second child

Los Angeles - Benedict Cumberbatch's wife is pregnant with their second child.

The 40-year-old actor and his spouse Sophie Hunter, who already have 16-month-old son Christopher Carlton Cumberbatch together, are set to add another little one to their brood, according to E! News.

The Sherlock star - who married his partner in a private ceremony on 14 February last year on the Isle of Wight, England - left the news-breaking to his representative who announced the couple were expecting their first child merely two months after the pair got engaged.

In a statement declaring the news of their firstborn, it read: "Benedict Cumberbatch and Sophie Hunter are delighted to announce the arrival of their beautiful son. We would kindly ask everyone to respect the family's privacy during these next few precious weeks."

Following the news Benedict's co-star on The Imitation Game movie, Allan Leech, admitted he thought the dark-haired hunk would be the "greatest dad of all time".

Speaking previously about Benedict and fatherhood, Allan said: "If he puts the same amount of dedication and love into raising his child as he does into his work, he is going to be the greatest dad of all time."

Getting through parenthood

Meanwhile Benedict has credited Doctor Strange for "getting him through" the early days of parenthood, and has admitted sleepless nights didn't affect him too much as he'd grown accustomed to getting up at 4:00 in order to work out for his titular role in the upcoming Marvel blockbuster.

Speaking previously about the early morning workouts, he said: "That actually got me through being a first time father. I say that as if I was the one getting up. Sophie really was incredible for the first few months."

Since becoming a dad, Benedict is happy to work late if his projects require him to, but would rather not miss important aspects of family life.

He said: "Getting home to see your family becomes the main thing - I'll do the overtime but can I make bathtime?"